PMID 40724761

Research
All papers

Acute Neurochemical, Psychophysiological, and Cognitive Responses to Small-Sided Games vs. Running-Based HIIT in Young, Male Soccer Players

Birinci YZ, Pancar S, Soylu Y, Topçu H, Koçyiğit A, Sarandöl E, Şimşek H, Şahin Ş

Question

Do small-sided games and running-based HIIT produce different acute neurochemical, psychophysiological, and cognitive responses in young male soccer players?

Summary

In a randomized crossover study, 24 young male soccer players completed one small-sided soccer game session and one running-based HIIT session. The two sessions produced similar heart-rate, lactate, perceived exertion, enjoyment, and BDNF responses, but small-sided games improved one processing-speed test compared with running HIIT.

Methodology

  • Semi-professional young male soccer players from the same team
  • 24 participants.
  • 4-a-side small-sided soccer games or running intervals.
  • Work intervals: 4-minute bouts; running HIIT used 15-second work intervals within bouts.
  • Recovery: 3 minutes passive rest between bouts; running HIIT used 15-second passive rests.
  • Intensity: SSG maximal effort; running at 110% MAS.
  • About 45 minutes including 20-minute warm-up.
  • Single acute session per condition.
  • Acute crossover.
  • Acute randomized counterbalanced crossover trial
  • Processing speed, Executive function, Neurochemical and physiological response, and Enjoyment and safety were tracked.

Outcomes

TMT-A processing speed

Small-sided games improved TMT-A time while running HIIT worsened it.

SSG 12.8 to 11.4 s; running HIIT 13.2 to 14.5 s; time x group p=.019.

Improved

BDNF

BDNF did not significantly change by time, group, or interaction.

No significant time, group, or time x group effect.

No clear change

Psychophysiology

Mean HR, RPE, enjoyment, and lactate response did not significantly differ between conditions.

Lactate increased over time without group or interaction effect; enjoyment p=.973.

No clear change

Insights

  • Game-based HIIT may be useful when the goal includes sport-specific cognitive engagement.
  • Do not imply acute BDNF improvement from either HIIT style.
  • For app generation, the 4 x 4-minute framework and 15:15 intervals are more reusable than the team-game setup.

Limitations

  • Acute-only study.
  • Young trained male soccer players only.
  • No long-term adaptation data.
  • BDNF measured only immediately post-session.
  • Cognitive testing limited to Trail Making Test A/B.

Safety

  • Adverse events were not reported.
  • Participants were medically cleared and excluded for recent severe injury and relevant health conditions.